14-NIGHT ITINERARY:
We love —
- Experiencing the buzz of Tokyo, from neon-lit Shinjuku nights to serene morning strolls through Meiji Shrine.
- Slowing down in Takayama, a mountain town where Edo-era streets and sake breweries capture the spirit of old Japan.
- Discovering Kyoto’s spellbinding temples, golden pavilions, and peaceful Zen gardens at every turn.
Customer reviews —
8.6/10
22 reviews
Discover Japan and its many facets during a comprehensive trip designed to satisfy all travellers. From the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka to unspoilt traditional mountain villages, sacred sites in Kyoto and breathtaking natural landscapes, each stop reveals new aspects of Japan's enchanting diversity. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, gastronomy, nature and quirky side of Japan during stops in Hiroshima, Naoshima and Takayama. A unique experience to explore the must-see cities and those off the beaten track without compromise.
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover Japan and its many facets during a comprehensive 12-, 14- or 17-night self-guided tour. From the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka to unspoilt traditional mountain villages, sacred sites in Kyoto and breathtaking natural landscapes, each stop reveals new aspects of Japan's enchanting diversity. Immerse yourself in the culture, history, gastronomy, nature and quirky side of Japan during stops in Hiroshima, Naoshima and Takayama.
Whether strolling through quiet temple gardens or buzzing local markets, this self-guided tour of Japan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but with the ease of every hotel and transfer organised in advance.
Choose the length of your stay
12-night tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo → Matsumoto → Hirayu Onsen
Day 5: Hirayu Onsen → Takayama
Day 6: Takayama → Shirakawago → Kanazawa
Day 7: Kanazawa → Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto → Hiroshima
Day 10: Hiroshima → Okayama
Day 11: Okayama ⇄ optional Naoshima
Day 12: Okayama → Osaka
Day 13: Departure from Osaka
14-night tour:
Days 1 to 6: follow the same itinerary as the 12-night one
Day 7: Kanazawa
Day 8: Kanazawa → Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto → Hiroshima
Day 11: Hiroshima → Okayama
Day 12: Okayama ⇄ optional Naoshima
Day 13: Okayama → Osaka
Day 14: Osaka
Day 15: Departure from Osaka
17-night tour:
Days 1 to 3: follow the same itinerary as the 12-night one
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo → Matsumoto → Hirayu Onsen
Day 6: Hirayu Onsen → Takayama
Day 7: Takayama → Shirakawago → Kanazawa
Day 8: Kanazawa
Day 9: Kanazawa → Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto → Hiroshima
Day 13: Hiroshima
Day 14: Hiroshima → Okayama
Day 15: Okayama ⇄ optional Naoshima
Day 16: Okayama → Osaka
Day 17: Osaka
Day 18: Departure from Osaka
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Read more
Your itinerary in detail —
12-night itinerary: Days 1 to 5
All activities, meals, and transfers outside the ‘JUST FOR YOU’ section are for inspiration only and not included.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
- Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Take advantage of this first day to acclimatise at your own pace and begin exploring the city. We suggest:
- Strolling through one of the many lively neighbourhoods, such as Shibuya or Shinjuku, or enjoying a walk in a park like Ueno.
- In the evening, admiring the city's neon lights or enjoying your first Japanese meal at a local restaurant.
- Suggested dinner: Izakaya dining in Shinjuku or Shibuya for small plates like yakitori (grilled skewers) and tempura.
Shared transfer between Tokyo Airport and your hotel in Tokyo included.
Overnight in Tokyo.
DAY 2: TOKYO
- You can spend this day discovering the diversity of Tokyo. We recommend:
- Visiting historic temples such as Senso-ji in Asakusa, or letting yourself be surprised by modern neighbourhoods such as Akihabara and Harajuku.
- Going shopping in the boutiques, sampling the street food or visiting a museum or aquarium.
- For a moment of tranquillity, taking a boat trip on the Sumida River or exploring a green oasis such as Shinjuku Gyoen.
Breakfast included & overnight in Tokyo.
DAY 3: TOKYO
- Today, you can continue exploring the city. We suggest:
- For a typical Tokyo experience, visiting Tsukiji Fish Market and enjoying freshly prepared sushi and other delicacies.
- Strolling in Odaiba or along Tokyo Bay will offer you a unique view of the city.
- Suggested lunch: Sushi at a conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) or a fresh bowl of donburi (rice bowl topped with fish or meat).
Breakfast included & overnight in Tokyo.
DAY 4: TOKYO → MATSUMOTO → HIRAYU ONSEN
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
- Travel by bus to the charming city of Matsumoto, then continue to the scenic Hirayu Onsen.
- Check in to a traditional Japanese ryokan in Hirayu Onsen and experience an authentic dinner, embracing the region’s culinary and cultural heritage.
- Suggested lunch: Try soba noodles, handmade buckwheat noodles served hot or cold with dipping sauce.
Bus ticket from Tokyo to Matsumoto to Hirayu Onsen included.
1 x night in a ryokan with half board (excluding drinks) included.
Breakfast and dinner included & overnight in Hirayu Onsen.
DAY 5: HIRAYU ONSEN → TAKAYAMA
- Enjoy a traditional breakfast at your Ryokan, savouring local flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients.
- Travel by bus to the charming town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. We recommend:
- Wandering the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama’s old town, lined with traditional merchant houses and craft shops.
- Exploring the Takayama Jinya, a historic government building from the Edo period, and learn about the region’s history.
- Suggested dinner: Savour hida beef donburi, a tender local beef over rice.
Bus tickets from Hirayu Onsen to Takayama included.
Breakfast included & overnight in Takayama.
Read more
Days 6 to 11
All activities, meals, and transfers outside the ‘JUST FOR YOU’ section are for inspiration only and not included.
DAY 6: TAKAYAMA → SHIRAKAWAGO → KANAZAWA
- Travel by bus to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Continue by bus to Kanazawa, a city renowned for its samurai districts, stunning gardens, and rich cultural heritage.
- Spend the evening exploring Kanazawa at your leisure or simply relax at your accommodation. We suggest:
- Exploring Omicho Market and sampling fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Visiting Kanazawa Castle and its beautifully reconstructed grounds.
- Suggested dinner: Kaiseki-style meal, a multi-course dinner highlighting seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and local delicacies.
Bus tickets from Takayama to Shirakawago to Kanazawa included.
Breakfast included & overnight in Takayama.
DAY 7: KANAZAWA → KYOTO
- Travel by train to the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto, using your convenient JR West Pass.
- Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the city’s enchanting streets or simply relaxing at your accommodation. We recommend:
- Taking a stroll through the historic Gion district, famous for its traditional machiya houses.
- Exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic thousand red torii gates.
- Suggested lunch: Bento box, a selection of rice, fish, vegetables, and pickles for a quintessential Japanese experience
Breakfast included & overnight in Kyoto.
DAY 8: KYOTO
- Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy free time for lunch and dinner, allowing you to explore Kyoto’s cafés or local eateries at your own pace.
- Optionally, take a local train to Nara to discover its rich history, serene temples, and famous roaming deer (ticket payable locally). We highly recommend:
- Visiting Todai-ji Temple and marvelling at the giant Great Buddha statue.
- Strolling through Nara Park and feeding the friendly deer.
- Suggested lunch: Udon noodles, thick, chewy noodles served hot in a savoury broth.
Breakfast included & overnight in Kyoto.
DAY 9: KYOTO → HIROSHIMA
- Travel by train to Hiroshima using your JR West Pass, with a stop en route in Himeji, we suggest:
- Touring Himeji Castle and its beautiful gardens.
- Exploring the historic streets around the castle for local shops and snacks.
- Suggested lunch: Himeji Oden, a local take on the classic simmered dish, perfect for a warming stop.
Breakfast included & overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 10: HIROSHIMA → OKAYAMA
- Take a ferry to the enchanting island of Miyajima using your JR West Pass, home to the iconic floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine.
- Continue your journey by train to Okayama, enjoying scenic views along the way.
- Once there, we recommend:
- Visiting Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens.
- Exploring Okayama Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior
- Suggested lunch: Grilled oysters, a local speciality, freshly caught and cooked
Breakfast included & overnight in Okayama.
DAY 11: OKAYAMA ⇄ OPTIONAL NAOSHIMA
- Start the day with breakfast at your hotel.
- Take a boat to the artistic island of Naoshima (payable locally), renowned for its contemporary art museums, outdoor installations, and architecture.
- Spend the day exploring the island’s unique galleries, sculptures, and the famous Chichu Art Museum.
- Return to Okayama by boat.
- Suggested dinner: Okayama Barazushi, a colourful, scattered sushi with fresh seafood, vegetables, and egg.
Breakfast included & overnight in Okayama.
Days 12 & 13
All activities, meals, and transfers outside the ‘JUST FOR YOU’ section are for inspiration only and not included.
DAY 12: OKAYAMA → OSAKA
- Travel by train to Osaka using your JR West Pass, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.
- Explore Osaka with these recommended experiences:
- Exploring the Dotonbori district, famous for neon lights and street food.
- Visiting Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.
- Enjoying a stroll through Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for boutiques and souvenirs.
- Suggested lunch: Takoyaki, a savoury octopus-filled ball drizzled with sauce and mayonnaise.
Breakfast included & overnight in Osaka.
DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
- Enjoy your last breakfast at your hotel.
- Transfer by train to Osaka Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) Airport using your JR West Pass, ensuring a smooth end to your trip.*
- Depending on your flight schedule, sample local delicacies at the airport or nearby eateries.
- Suggested delicacies: okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) or kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Transfer by train between Osaka city centre and Kansai Airport included.
Breakfast included.
The 14-night itinerary adds 2 extra nights, with one additional night each in Osaka and Kanazawa, giving you more time to explore these two cities at a leisurely pace.
17-NIGHT ITINERARY:
The 17-night itinerary includes 5 extra nights, with one additional night each in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Osaka, allowing for a deeper and more immersive experience in each of these five cities.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary. Transfer information:
SHARED AIRPORT TRANSFER – HOTEL
Enjoy a convenient shared shuttle directly between the airport and your hotel. The shuttle may make multiple stops along the way.
BAGGAGE TRANSFER TOKYO – KANAZAWA
For your Hirayu and Takayama adventure, benefit from a baggage transfer to travel light. Your luggage will be collected directly from your Tokyo hotel and delivered to your accommodation in Kanazawa. During your stay in a Ryokan and in Takayama, you will only need a small bag for two nights. Each person is entitled to one piece of luggage, which will be waiting at the hotel reception in Kanazawa.
BUS TRANSPORT
Buses in Japan offer an efficient and comfortable way to explore scenic and remote regions, including the Japanese Alps and traditional villages.
RAIL TRANSPORT
Trains are the most practical way to travel across Japan. Both major cities and rural towns are well connected, including the famous Shinkansen, Japan’s high-speed bullet train, reaching up to 320 km/h.
JR WEST ALL AREAS PASS
Travel with complete flexibility using the JR West All Areas Pass. Access Shinkansen, regional trains, and JR buses without advance reservations, moving freely between Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Kobe. The pass also includes the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island and is valid for 7 days from activation.
Read more
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in 3* or 4* hotels, depending on the offer chosen.
3* hotels (or similar):
- Tokyo: Comfort Hotel Higashi Nihombashi
- Hirayu Onsen: Okada Warakutei
- Takayama: Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama
- Kanazawa: Smile Hotel Kanazawa Nishiguchi Ekimae
- Kyoto: Comfort Hotel Kyoto Horikawagojo
- Hiroshima: Comfort Hiroshima Otemachi
- Okayama: Smile Hotel Okayama
- Osaka: Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
4* hotels (or similar):
- Tokyo: Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro or Sequence Suidobashi
- Hirayu Onsen: Okada Warakutei
- Takayama: Wat Hotel & Spa Takayama
- Kanazawa: Hotel Forza Kanazawa
- Kyoto: Hotel Almont Kyoto
- Hiroshima: Mitsui Garden Hiroshima
- Okayama: ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama
- Osaka: Noku Osaka
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your stay also includes an authentic experience rooted in local traditions, with a stay in a private room in a tranquil ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, usually featuring:
- Tatami-matted rooms (woven straw floors)
- Futon bedding, laid out on the floor each night
- Sliding paper doors (shoji) and minimalist design
- Shared bathrooms and baths (often hot springs, or onsen)
- A strong emphasis on omotenashi, the art of Japanese hospitality
More information:
SPECIAL BED REQUESTS
Any specific request regarding bed type (double or twin) is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
ROOM SIZE NOTE
In Japan, hotel rooms are often compact, and beds are typically smaller than Western standards.
RYOKAN ACCOMMODATION
Access to communal onsen areas (Japanese hot springs) is generally not permitted for guests with tattoos.
CITY TAX
Tourist tax is not included and must be paid locally. Approximate rates:
3* hotels: €2 per room, per night
4* hotels: €5 per room, per night
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 pm–4 pm), and check-out is generally in the morning (10 am).
ACCESSIBILITY
Accommodations included in this trip are not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or infants (0–1.99 years). For further information, please contact customer service.
Read more
Single rooms are available at an additional cost. The maximum occupancy per room is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child for 3* rooms. The maximum occupancy per room is 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child for 4* rooms.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
- If, due to schedules imposed by airlines, the first and last days are shortened by a late arrival or early departure, no meal refunds will be given.
- Depending on the schedule constraints of excursions or transport at the destination (train, bus, transfer, ferry, etc.), meals that cannot be taken at the hotel are the responsibility of the guests.
Read more
Included services —
100GB Pocket Wi-Fi
Stay connected on the go with our 100GB Pocket Wi-Fi, offering fast, reliable internet wherever your travels take you.
Your journey to Tokyo —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Japan
Japan, a land where time-honoured traditions converge with modern marvels, offers a compelling blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, each moment in Japan feels like an exploration of history and innovation. Whether wandering through ancient shrines or hiking the serene trails of Mount Fuji, this country will captivate every type of traveller.
Must-sees:
- Explore the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
- Discover the timeless beauty of the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, reflecting its golden splendour on the surrounding pond.
- Experience the serene atmosphere of Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely beside historic temples.
Culinary culture:
Japan's culinary culture is a feast for the senses, offering an unparalleled array of flavours and textures. Beyond sushi and sashimi, indulge in kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining), savour the delicate richness of ramen from regional varieties, and relish the delicate art of tempura. Japan's culinary creativity extends to street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), offering an insight into local life. Be sure to taste matcha in all its forms, from tea ceremonies to modern desserts.
Dive deeper:
For those seeking to uncover Japan's lesser-known cultural gems, explore the peaceful Oniishi Muddy Hell in Beppu or visit the sacred Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO site brimming with unspoiled nature. Wander through the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for a magical journey into Japan’s celebrated animation culture, or spend time in Kanazawa, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design.
Good to know:
Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). For those visiting in spring (March to May), the cherry blossoms are a must-see, while autumn (September to November) offers spectacular foliage. Public transport is efficient and reliable, with the Shinkansen (bullet train) being a convenient option for travel between cities.
